Protect Your Lawn Before It’s Too Late

If you’ve spotted strange brown patches or chewed grass blades in your lawn, your yard could be under attack by armyworms — and time is critical. Under the right conditions, armyworms can destroy a lush lawn in just a few days.

What Are Armyworms?

Armyworms are the larvae of a small moth, typically a southern pest, but they can travel north on storm fronts and show up in unexpected places like Kansas.

• Adult Moth: Tan or brown, less than 1 inch long, with a white dot on each forewing.
• Eggs: Laid in clusters, often on tree leaves.
• Worms: Light green/tan when young, turning dark green or brown as they mature. Full-grown worms are 1.5 to 2 inches long with green, yellow, or brown stripes.

Signs of Damage

Armyworm damage often looks like drought stress or heat damage at first. Look closer and you’ll see:

• Brown patches with chewed or missing grass blades
• Grass tips that appear “razor cut”
• Areas thinning out rapidly, especially in hot, dry weather

If left untreated, armyworms can strip a lawn clean, especially during peak infestation periods.

The Good News: They’re Easy to Kill

Because armyworms feed on the surface of the lawn, they’re relatively easy to control with insecticides. One effective option is any product containing Bifenthrin.

Tips for Fast Control:

• Spray immediately if you see activity.
• Focus on the entire affected area and slightly beyond.
• Re-treat in 5–7 days if needed.

Will My Lawn Recover?

Yes — if you act quickly. If only the edges or tips of the blades are damaged, your lawn can bounce back with proper watering and fertilization. Keeping your lawn healthy and well-maintained will help it recover faster and prevent future outbreaks.